About the Author
My name is Katie Fraser, and I am currently working at the University of Leicester as a part-time Information Librarian for the College of
Science and Engineering. In February I start a new role as Assistant Librarian at
I have a research background in social and learning technologies, and my interests include research support in libraries, the application of all kinds of technology, learning spaces, evidence-based practice and the professional development of library and information workers.
I can be found on Twitter and also maintain profiles on major social networking sites. I particularly use Google Plus and LinkedIn for professional contacts.
Professional Activities
I am a Chartered Member of CILIP and, while at the University of Leicester, sit on the East Midlands division committee for its University, College and Research Group. I am currently participating in the the LIS DREaM Project (Developing Research Excellence and Methods) workshops, which aim to create a cadre of library and information professionals and researchers to champion LIS research.
In 2010 I was also one of the Project Board for CILIP's Defining Our Professional Future consultation about the future of the information profession and the role of a professional body in that future.
Academic Qualifications
I finished an MA in Librarianship in 2009 at the University of Sheffield Information Studies Department, funded by a Professional Preparation Award from the Arts and Humanities Research Council, with my . This followed on from my PhD, which I undertook from 2003 to 2007 at the Learning Sciences Research Institute and Mixed Reality Laboratory at the University of Nottingham. This looked at designing homework technologies to fit with family life. In 2003 I also completed a Masters degree in Occupational Psychology.
Chuukaku is a Japanese word, and more details about its derivation and my choice of chuukaku as a domain name can be found in the first entry in my blog.